Cineworld issues statement amid UK shutdown reports

According to the Sunday Times, the shock move – which is expected to be a temporary measure until next year – would put an estimated 5,500 jobs at risk and comes following the postponement of big budget films in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

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In a statement released on Sunday afternoon, Cineworld – which has cinemas in Sheffield and Chesterfield – said: “We can confirm we are considering the temporary closure of our UK and US cinemas, but a final decision has not yet been reached.

“Once a decision has been made we will update all staff and customers as soon as we can.”

The Sunday Times said Cineworld is writing to Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden to say the industry is now ‘unviable’.

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